Athletes
Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics. Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities from all around the world—5.6 million and counting! They are finding success, joy and friendship as part of our global community. They're also having lots of fun!
Catherine and Claude’s Moment
Discover how Special Olympics Unified Sports created a positive change in their son’s life.
1 Min Read
Changing the World One Crosswalk at a Time
This winter, Benjamin Collins noticed something troubling on his way to work. The Special Olympics athlete and Operations Specialist at the organization’s headquarters couldn’t hear the countdown beeps and verbal cues at the crosswalks on L Streets between 18th and 19th in Washington, D.C.
2 Min Read
18 Teams Showcase Inclusion During Football Championship
More than 200 delegates from 12 countries took part in the inaugural Special Olympics International Football Championship held in Chennai, from 3 August to 6 August 2019.
1 Min Read
RJ Nealon interviewing Kevin Neghandhi
RJ Nealon interviews ESPN Sports Anchor, Kevin Negandhi at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games.
Being a Leader Means Bringing a “Fighting Spirit”!
Speaking at his team’s Gothia Special Olympics Trophy debut in Gothenburg, Special Olympics Sweden athlete, Joakim Lantz discusses what it takes to be a good leader.
1 Min Read
Innovators of the Week: Paola and Maria
Around the world, Youth Leaders with and without intellectual disabilities are leading community-based projects for inclusion. Paola and Maria, two Special Olympics youth leaders from El Salvador, share their experiences working together to create change.
2 Min Read
“I’m Not Afraid to Play!”
Kimberley and Rachel, aged 16, are the only two girls on their football squad of ten. They represent a new generation of girls with intellectual disabilities determined to spread their passion for football far and wide!
1 Min Read
Daniel Smrokowski Celebrates the Global Week of Inclusion
During the week of July 15–20 as our Special Olympics movement celebrates a Global Week of Inclusion, I would like to share with you how I will be showcasing inclusion and “celebrate togetherness.”
3 Min Read
Renee Manfredi Reflects on Inclusion
As the Global Week of Inclusion began I thought, "what does inclusion really mean, what does it really look like?"
5 Min Read
Hanna Atkinson Makes the Most of Global Week of Inclusion
To celebrate inclusion in my life, I was able to take part in some really fun events during the Global Week of Inclusion!
2 Min Read
Healthy Salad Recipes
Los Angeles-based Unified Schools teammates, Diego Salazar and Iantha Kahn, served up some savory salads with Mara Sampo’ and Chef Massimo Denaro from Sfixio in Beverly Hills during the “Special Olympics Live” stream-a-thon.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Athlete Amy Bockerstette Hits the Links at the ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic
Special Olympics golfer, Amy Bockerstette, who earned a college scholarship to Paradise Valley Community College for golf, was invited to compete in the 19th Annual 2019 ESPY Celebrity Golf Classic. The golf tournament serves as a fundraiser for the V Foundation which provides grants for cancer research and resources for cancer patients.
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